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Tara Ann
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PC question....
« on: Feb 11th, 2007, 9:04am » |
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So while at the ER Sam took thekids shopping and bought me a laptop.
First off, I am CLUELESS (shut up no comments  ) about laptops and wireless internet. This does have a wireless internet in it, but the signal I picked up was too weak to surf with...
Can I purchase a different wirelss internet that will make for a stronger signal? Or one of those antenna's?
Thanks in advance.
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Brew
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #1 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 11:37am » |
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Were you picking up somebody else's signal or do you have a wireless router at home?
If it's somebody else's (i.e., pirating off somebody else's in your neighborhood), I'd have to say your on your own. But if you have a wireless network in your home and you have trouble picking it up anywhere in your house, you should have a professional look at it.
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artonio7
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #2 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 12:53pm » |
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I think what Tarra is talking about is a way to have internet connection without being near a home base or wireless router. Is there a service or card or some device that will give you connectivity while you're literally "On the road"?
I think that's what she means. Besides the home based wireless router.
with warm regards,
Tony
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Tara Ann
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #3 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 5:33pm » |
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yes... we have DSL here , that I will have hooked up when my inlaws get back.
I'm going to FLA soon, and I want to be able to access the net on the road.
And you know what.... I had a question regardless of what I plan to do with my internet and how you felt about it wasn't my question.
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Brew
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #4 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 7:06pm » |
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on Feb 11th, 2007, 5:33pm, taraann wrote:yes... we have DSL here , that I will have hooked up when my inlaws get back.
I'm going to FLA soon, and I want to be able to access the net on the road.
And you know what.... I had a question regardless of what I plan to do with my internet and how you felt about it wasn't my question. |
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Whoa - hang on a minute. I was trying to ascertain whether you were having trouble with a laptop gaining access to your home network. I didn't even think about using one of these cellular phone companies with the little digital cell antennas on the side.
Sorry I pissed you off, but I guarantee you it was just a question - trying to help you figure it out. I know lots of folks who use wireless networks that are not "theirs," and I was simply saying that if that's the route you choose, you're kind of at the mercy of the administrator of that network. There are even neighbors who split the cost of a monthly ISP and all run off one wireless router.
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purpleydog
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #5 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 7:11pm » |
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TA, you were picking up someone's wireless signal near you. It was too weak to get online with. When you get your dsl set up, you may get a wireless modem, if so, then you can access that wireless signal. You need to make sure it's secure, and you need to get into the modem to do that. That's really pretty easy. Just don't do anything online, like shopping, banking, or anything else you don't want your info known, because just as you were able to pick up someone's wireless signal, someone else will be able to pick up yours, and until you secure it, they can use it to get online, and to get into your system.
Check your pm's.
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Tara Ann
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #6 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:25pm » |
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Ok maybe I was a bit overly sensitive at you. Really bad bad week, not an excuse but I just took what you said wrong.
Thanks Chris, I think I understand (and I got your PM's , thanks for going into so much detail.) I live with my inlaws and they have a desktop with DSL through the phone company. I was thinking I would just have to get a router to hook into theirs and still remain wireless. But I am just having a hard time knowing how. As for when I am on the road, I bought an antenna that's supposed to boost signal, and speed up the connection time. I don't know if I should just return it. But at the same time I'm hoping during our 22+ hr trip I'll be able to go online while being bored in the car. I just don't know if that works.
My head isn't so clear right now, I am on muscle relaxers and pain killers, and hardly any sleep so tomorrow I will go back over your all explanations so maybe I will understand it better.
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purpleydog
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #7 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:36pm » |
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The thing about using an antennae to boost any signal you may get while you're riding in the car, is that at the speed you're traveling, you won't stay in any one area long enough to really stay online very long. You'll be travelling in and out of range, and may be totally out of range in some areas.
It usually works best when you are in a heavily populated area, and coming from where you are, that may not be too much of a problem until you get farther south. And then you may run into secured networks, which you won't be able to get into.
Depending on who your ISP is, some offer, for a slight monthly fee, access to wireless for free in certain places. Such as McDonalds, Barnes & Noble, airports, certain hotels, it depends on the ISP.
Maybe another option, when you can't get online, is to watch movies in the dvd player/ burner your laptop probably has. Most do nowadays. Take some dvd's with you.
Let me know if you have any other questions. 
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Racer1_NC
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #8 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:41pm » |
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Might want to pick up a DC adapter for the laptop.....battery power won't last 22 hours....
Bill
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Tara Ann
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #9 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:42pm » |
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Yeah I'm bringing some movies, and kids movies too. I also put a couple games on it.
I have always wanted a laptop so badly, but it's making me feel completely pc stupid lol.
Thanks for all the advice. Sam is going to get me a wireless router tomorrow. I think I'm understanding you. My laptop says it has wireless but in order to use mom's dsl with her wired pc I will need the router right?
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BB
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #10 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:48pm » |
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Watch out for things that may spill onto the laptop while travelling ! Quickest way to kill one ! 
Rest in peace my little lap top ! Got spilled with sticky caramel milk drink and died an instant plus messy death about 3 months ago! 
Long live to your laptop !
Annette
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| « Last Edit: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:49pm by BB » |
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Racer1_NC
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #11 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:48pm » |
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on Feb 11th, 2007, 8:42pm, taraann wrote:| My laptop says it has wireless but in order to use mom's dsl with her wired pc I will need the router right? |
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That would be correct.....
Bill
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"Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime."
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purpleydog
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #12 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 8:50pm » |
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Yes, you will need a wireless router. And then set it up like I said, very easy. Let me know, I'll help you with that.
And do get an adapter you can plug into the cigarette lighter, so you can keep it powered.
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Tara Ann
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #13 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 9:50pm » |
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on Feb 11th, 2007, 8:50pm, purpleydog wrote:Yes, you will need a wireless router. And then set it up like I said, very easy. Let me know, I'll help you with that.
And do get an adapter you can plug into the cigarette lighter, so you can keep it powered. |
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Ok will do. One more question, Sam has a power converter that he used in his work van for his cordless tools, it plugs into the cigarette lighter, do u know if that would work?
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Opus
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #14 on: Feb 11th, 2007, 10:56pm » |
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on Feb 11th, 2007, 9:50pm, taraann wrote:
Ok will do. One more question, Sam has a power converter that he used in his work van for his cordless tools, it plugs into the cigarette lighter, do u know if that would work? |
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If it produces AC power from the 12DC of the vehicle, and has a regular house outlet in it then then it will work by plugging you laptop charger into it. Better test it first. If it is a DC converter then you will have to get one specifically designed for your laptop.
Paul
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Mattrf
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #15 on: Feb 12th, 2007, 11:37am » |
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Radio Shack has converters made for use with a PC, there are two of them, one will power a single PC and the other will do two. They work great I have the larger and both my kids are able to watch DVD’s on their laptops on long road trips with no problem.
Matt
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Tara Ann
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #16 on: Feb 12th, 2007, 1:24pm » |
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Guess what??? I'm surfing from my laptop now!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much everyone!!!!! 
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fubar
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #17 on: Feb 12th, 2007, 3:06pm » |
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I just got my laptop working with my blackberry (EDGE over Bluetooth, for anyone who cares) and it's a pretty cool feeling when you see that first web page come up.
Now, if my cell has a connection, so does my laptop.
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Tara Ann
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #18 on: Feb 12th, 2007, 3:17pm » |
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on Feb 12th, 2007, 3:06pm, fubar wrote:I just got my laptop working with my blackberry (EDGE over Bluetooth, for anyone who cares) and it's a pretty cool feeling when you see that first web page come up.
Now, if my cell has a connection, so does my laptop. |
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I have an internet ready cell too, but I have never been able to get online with it. (esp would come in handy for sam, with mapquest, he works all over NH and VT).
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sailpappy
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Re: PC question....
« Reply #19 on: Feb 12th, 2007, 9:40pm » |
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While your on the road you can get free internet signal from "Hot Spots" Dennys resturant has it, as well as several others. Here in Augusta they have hot spots at Taco Bell, Krystals and many other fast food places! Most Hotels offer it too but you have to get a password or code at the check in desk to access their signal! Pappy
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